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Niemisto honored for contributions to the community

By Kevin George '13November 29, 2012

In honor of his career-long dedication to creating and expanding local music opportunities, St. Olaf College Associate Professor of Music Paul Niemisto recently received the City of Northfield's Living Treasure Award.

"Because of Paul Niemisto, Northfield is a better place," says Arts and Culture Commission Chair Philip Spensley. "The community is richer for his contributions."

Among many other accomplishments, Niemisto founded the Cannon Valley Regional Orchestra, a group he conducted for 34 years, and the International Vintage Band Festival, which brings brass bands from Europe and across the United States to Northfield. He also created Tuba Christmas, an event that brings hundreds of low-brass players to campus each year to play in Buntrock Commons the weekend of the St. Olaf Christmas Festival.